Reception in Support of Run Army 2026

Representing the Premier of Queensland, Assistant Minister to the Premier on Matters of State and New Citizens, Dr Christian Rowan MP; Chief of Australian Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC; Run Army President, Major General Jake Ellwood DSC AM CSC (Retd); Queensland Police Service Commissioner Brett Pointing APM; Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith AFSM; Queensland State Emergency Service Chief Officer, Dr Mark Armstrong CSC; Australian Defence Force leaders and personnel; Veterans and widows of our fallen soldiers; senior representatives of our frontline services, surf lifesaving and disaster relief organisations; representatives of the Legacy Club of Brisbane and RSL Queensland; Run Army benefactors and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

I take this opportunity to pay special tribute to the families and friends of the late Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney, Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic and Warrant Officer Class Two Danny Rigoni. 

Your determination to promote compassion and kindness, in the face of your own personal loss, is a valuable example to us all.

On the eve of the sixth Run Army event, Graeme and I welcome you to Government House, and thank everyone involved for making this initiative such a success—not just because of the vital funds it raises, but because it encourages a powerful sense of community—one that promotes greater understanding and unity among all Queenslanders, not just those who have served in the Australian Defence Force.

Tomorrow morning at South Bank in Brisbane, and next month in Townsville, military personnel, members of our state’s emergency and rescue services, and civilians will stand together at the starting lines, while across the world, others will be taking part virtually.

Side by side, participants will share a positive sense of purpose—not just to achieve their goals for the race itself, but to represent the frontline personnel who serve and sacrifice for all of us.

Run Army is effective because it is built on a simple, but compelling premise—bringing people together to “support those who serve” and show their gratitude—while also promoting how physical movement builds better mental health and enhances overall wellbeing.

Run Army also gives us an important opportunity to remember that the men and women of the Australian Army who defend and assist our nation—and their families—do not stand aside or apart from others, but are deeply valued contributors to their local communities, whose capabilities and leadership qualities strengthen and enrich other important aspects of life.

The Australian Army works passionately each and every day “as a protector in conflict and crisis”, and it is up to our communities to offer the hand of support when it is needed.

Since it began in 2021, Run Army has raised nearly $850,000 for its beneficiary charities—Legacy, Queensland Police Legacy, the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation, Queensland Ambulance Service Legacy, State Emergency Service Gift Fund, Surf Life Saving Foundation and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. 

In essence, these funds directly help people in our communities who put their lives on the line for us, day in, day out, with bravery, care and compassion. The demands of such service are challenging, and the toll on health and wellbeing, can be heavy. 

As joint patrons of both RSL Queensland and Legacy Brisbane, Graeme and I are so grateful for the support, care and compassion these organisations give to veterans and their families. RSL Queensland has been presenting partner of Run Army since the first race, and we thank this incredible organisation for its dedicated involvement.

I extend this gratitude to all of the other partners taking part in Run Army, and thank you for helping Queenslanders in times of need; and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I express my appreciation to all those serving on the frontlines, for keeping us safe. Graeme and I are very much looking forward to being there tomorrow—taking our places with you, at the starting line.